NSW Fellows Dinner - A review of the Event

Published: 2 May 2012

Section News: New South Wales

CILTA NSW Section – 2012 Fellows Dinner – Officer’s Mess, Victoria Barracks
If those walls could speak – the stories they could tell! NSW Section CILTA Fellows with partners and friends were treated to a very rare event at the Officer’s Mess, Victoria Barracks.

Driving through the gate of Victoria Barracks you are transported to another world – a reminder of the history and tradition which goes hand in hand with military service.

Walking into the building which houses the Officer’s Mess, the historical theme continues; an indestructible looking, cast iron fireplace welcomes you to a warm room with imposing high ceilings, historical paintings and chesterfield furniture you can sink into.

After some bubbly and canapés to relax the mood, we moved into the beautifully appointed dining room. A hearty three course meal was prepared and served with typical military precision – nobody noticed time passing, as we were all buried in deep conversation.

Peter Koning, Chairman of the NSW Section of CILTA, welcomed everyone to the event and introduced committee member Matt Duquemin who, in turn introduced the guest of honour, Brigadier David Mulhall. Matt gave us a brief outline of Brigadier Mulhall’s outstanding service leading up to his position as the Commanding Officer, 17th Combat Service Support Brigade.

Brigadier Mulhall’s engaging keynote speech was on ‘Logistics for military operations in Afghanistan’. Guests were given a brief insight into some of the considerations which have to be dealt with, while ensuring life supporting medical and other provisions are distributed where and when they are needed. Everyone in the room agreed that logistics considerations for those conditions could not be measured with quite the same productivity measures as civilian enterprises!

A fantastic evening was had by all as you will see from the photo gallery…

Please click here to view the photos taken on the evening.